Great crested newt licence issued for new police HQ

Plans for the new multi-million pound Durham Police headquarters can now go ahead after Natural England granted them a wildlife licence relating to great crested newts.

The building work can begin once a fence has been erected to prevent any great crested newts from being harmed by entering the site.

Outside this fence, great crested newts will be carefully captured and moved to a suitable receptor site nearby after their hibernation ends in Spring.

Durham Constabulary hope that the move to the new police headquarters will enable them to make annual savings of around £750,000.

“This is excellent news for the people of County Durham and Darlington because the savings made will go towards maintaining police officer numbers and continued high performance by the force.”

– Gary Ridley, Assistant Chief Officer for Durham Constabulary

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to issue a licence that will allow this important development to proceed in harmony with our wildlife, landscapes and laws.

As well as providing a modern base for the police the project will create a bigger, better habitat for great crested newts so this licence represents a significant step forward for both Durham constabulary and one of our most cherished native species.”